Former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch is no longer in contention to become the new Leicester manager after the American decided to withdraw from the recruitment process over the weekend.
There was optimism from both parties that a deal to install Marsch as the club's new manager would be agreed after the Foxes stepped up their search for a successor to Brendan Rodgers, who left the King Power Stadium by mutual consent last Sunday.
Marsch is unattached after being sacked by Leeds back in February and was close to an agreement with Leicester, who, like his old side, are currently fighting to preserve their Premier League status.
However, The Telegraph have revealed that Marsch had been due at Leicester's training ground on Saturday, but, after watching the Foxes' 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth, the 49-year-old had a change of heart over taking the role following discussions with his coaching staff.
The report goes on to outline that Marsch believes that the club would require a 'different type' of manager if they are relegated to the Championship next season. Furthermore, Marsch is also of the opinion that, should relegation occur, then Leicester would need to focus on recruiting players of a different profile to those of which he is used to recruiting.
His change of heart comes just weeks after talks over the Southampton vacancy broke down, with Marsch reluctant to commit to a short-term contract. The Saints, who have since handed the role to Ruben Selles, are currently bottom of the Premier League. Leicester are just above them in 19th place, two points adrift of safety.
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Leicester will now take stock of their options after Marsch's U-turn. The club held a number of interviews last week and are likely to be be forced back into talks with a different candidate.
One potential candidate who could profit from Marsch's decision to take a step back is former Norwich and Aston Villa boss Dean Smith, who has experience of working in the Championship and guiding teams to promotion. Like Marsch, he is currently unattached after losing his job at Carrow Road earlier in the season.
Rafael Benitez is another name which has been mentioned in the recruitment process along with Leicester favourite Martin O'Neill, who is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest coaches in the club's entire history.
O'Neill - who has also had stints at Aston Villa and Celtic - spent five years at the club between 1995 and 2000 and won promotion to the Premier League and two League Cups before he was lured to Celtic Park. His last managerial role was at Nottingham Forest back in 2019.
